New data reveals that nearly 24% of nurses and midwives working in the United Kingdom (UK) are trained abroad, highlighting the nation’s increasing reliance on international recruitment to fill staffing gaps.
According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), foreign-trained professionals on the register have reached a record 200,000, with 68,000 from India, 50,000 from the Philippines, and 15,000 from Nigeria.
Despite the workforce growing to 841,000 – the highest ever – concerns mount over sustainability.
Health leaders have warned that the reliance on international staff reflects a failing domestic training system, with many UK-trained professionals leaving the field due to low pay, burnout, and understaffed conditions.
NMC data also notes a decline in both UK-educated joiners and international recruits, alongside a rise in departures.
Experts caution this trend could worsen, risking further strain on patient care.
Calls for action include improving recruitment and retention strategies, such as introducing student loan forgiveness schemes, to address what health leaders describe as a “perfect storm” for the NHS.
